Orchid Conservation Genomics Postdoc Lead

ADP, Inc.; Glencoe (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher, Orchid Conservation, to serve as the project's data and genetics lead, compiling, validating, and standardizing records for slipper orchids and the ghost orchid. This three-year, grant-funded position emphasizes pedigree-based conservation and genomic analyses.

Working with horticulturists and zoo partners, you will develop Species Management Plans, generate DNA data, reconstruct pedigrees, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in botany or related field.
• Experience in molecular systematics or phylogenomics.
• Experience with population-genetic or pedigree-reconstruction analyses.
• Strong programming/analytical skills (R, Python).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Field and/or collections-based research experience.
• Peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Collection data compilation, assessment, and validation.
• Coordinate with partner institutions to gather accession records.
• Standardize and integrate records into a unified, validated database.
• Identify data gaps and construct pedigrees.
• Genetic analysis and pedigree development.
• Design and lead non-destructive tissue sampling.
• Generate DNA barcode and genome-wide SNP data.
• Analyze genetic diversity, relatedness, and hybridization; reconstruct pedigrees.
• Contribute to development of Species Management Plans.
• Represent project in collaborations with partner organizations.
• Present findings at scientific meetings.

Skills

Molecular systematics

Population genetics

Bioinformatics

Genomic sequencing

Education

Ph.D. in botany or related field

Tools

R

Python

PMx or similar

Job description

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher, Orchid Conservation, to serve as the project's data and genetics lead, compiling, validating, and standardizing records for slipper orchids and the ghost orchid. This three-year, grant-funded position emphasizes pedigree-based conservation and genomic analyses.

Working with horticulturists and zoo partners, you will develop Species Management Plans, generate DNA data, reconstruct pedigrees, and contribute to